Live: Ryan Montbleau Band Lights Up The Yard Amphitheater with Spectacular Show

Saturday, August 19th, music lovers gathered at The Yard Amphitheater at Ray Brothers Barbeque for a night that would leave them elated. The occasion was none other than the long-awaited return of the Ryan Montbleau Band to central New York, a “homecoming” show that will surely be etched into the memories of all who were fortunate enough to attend. While fireworks could be seen going off just down the road at the Madison-Bouckville Antique Week, RMB gave the crowd at The Yard musical and great-vibe fireworks of their own.

The Ryan Montbleau Band boasts an impressive lineup, with the exceptionally talented Michelangelo Carubba on drums and Craig Brodhead on guitar, both known for their roles in the band Turquaz. Adding to the band’s prowess is bassist extraordinaire Michael Friedman, formerly of The Slip, and Paul Philippone, hailing from the band West End Blend, skillfully gracing the keys. The band rehearsed diligently in Burlington back in January, fine-tuning their synergy before hitting the road this year, and it certainly paid off.

Longtime Montbleau fan, Kelly Nichols of Waterville emphasized, “It’s clear the band is having a blast together, trying new things, reading each other, and genuinely finding joy in playing this music together. Solo, I think Ryan leans towards a more self-reflective and sometimes pensive vibe, and this current ensemble feels fresh. The songs translate seamlessly to the band.”

The show kicked off with a heartfelt solo performance by Ryan Montbleau himself, setting an intimate tone that captivated the audience from the first note. The rest of the members soon joined in, and throughout the night, they brought a fresh, dynamic energy to his music that breathed new life into his already beloved tracks. Their seamless fusion of funk, folk, R&B, and roots rock showcased the band’s incredible versatility, leaving no doubt that they were in a league of their own sound.

As the night progressed, Montbleau took a moment to share his affection for central New York, reminiscing about his earlier days when he used to rock the Electric Company in Utica. A smile lit up his face as he expressed, “It feels good to be back home,” and that sentiment was palpable throughout the crowd.

The evening air may have cooled the atmosphere, but the music emanating from the stage radiated warmth and passion, heating up the Yard and infusing everyone present with a sense of joy and celebration. From start to finish, going through songs from his entire career, the show was a testament to the enduring power of Montbleau’s music to bring people together and create unforgettable moments.

In the end, as the final notes resonated through the Yard Amphitheater, it was evident that the Ryan Montbleau Band had not only delivered a spectacular performance but had also reaffirmed their deep connection with their fans. Kelly Nichols added, “Ryan’s music has always seemed to align with my own personal path. He walks me through the highs and lows like an old friend who is experiencing the same things right alongside me.” It was a night of music, memories, and pure magic, leaving everyone with a smile on their faces and a heart full of gratitude for the gift of the Montbleau Band’s live energy and music.